From the Senior Minister (July 8, 2024)
A couple of weeks ago, I preached about the personification of wisdom in Proverbs, where wisdom is depicted as a woman calling out to us. She seeks to guard us against making poor or harmful choices—choices that lead to death—not physical death, but a state of being that is opposed to the full and abundant […]
From the Senior Minister (June 17, 2024)
In commemoration of Juneteenth, the church offices will be closed this year on Wednesday, June 19. As a reminder, Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take command of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were set free. Before television and the […]
From the Senior Minister (May 28, 2024)
Summer is my favorite season—I love strolling outside in the evening light and savoring simple joys like ice cream, grilling out, and fresh tomatoes and peaches. With the kids out of school, mornings are less hectic, and bedtime is less rushed, so our family’s pace slows a bit. This summer, I look forward to our […]
From the Senior Minister (May 13, 2024)
What an incredible time of worship the Children’s Sabbath was! As both Senior Minister and a mother, I had the privilege of witnessing the day through dual lenses. The sight of my nine-year-old, Marin, confidently reading scripture and singing in the choir filled me with immense joy. But it wasn’t just her; I was bursting […]
From the Senior Minister (April 29, 2024)
Welcome to the First Baptist Greenville Summer One Reads! Are you looking for something to read over the summer? Look no further. We have chosen three books for a First Baptist Summer One-Read. Feel free to read one or explore them all. The idea is for everyone to read at their own pace over the […]
From the Senior Minister—April 2, 2024
Years ago, I came across a story about a woman who struggled with anxiety and panic attacks. Longing for relief, she wisely sought help from mental health professionals. Alongside their guidance, she discovered another source of comfort: memorized prayers. Recognizing the need for a lifeline during overwhelming moments, she committed a few prayers to memory. […]
From the Senior Minister (march 25, 2024)
On Easter Sunday, I will preach our final “I am” statement in the gospel of John, where Jesus declares in John, chapter 11, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Understanding Jesus as both the resurrection and the life can significantly impact how we perceive and navigate the world because it invites us to recognize […]
From the Senior Minister (March 11, 2024)
Did you know that the term “homosexual” wasn’t present in any Bible translation, in any language, until 1946? Despite all my theological training, this fact came as a surprise to me. This insight, among others, is explored in the new groundbreaking documentary, 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. According to promotional material, the film “traces […]
From the Senior Minister (February 12, 2024)
Join us at 6:00pm on Wednesday, February 14, for an experiential Ash Wednesday Worship Service in the Sanctuary as we embark on the sacred journey of Lent. Adults, youth and children are encouraged to participate in the service. Childcare on the nursery hallway will be available for those three-years-old and younger. Ash Wednesday marks the […]
From the Senior Minister (February 4, 2024)
As discussed in my sermon “Belonging: Longing to Be Cared For,” our beliefs about our toughness and ability to go it alone are largely a myth. We are finite, frail human beings. At some juncture, we all reach the limits of our physical, emotional or spiritual strength and find ourselves in need of the care […]